150+ LANGUAGES · ISO 17100 CERTIFIED · SAME-DAY TURNAROUND
ID Card Translation Services in the UK: Certified, Accepted by UKVI and Embassies
Certified ID card translation in 150+ languages, ISO 17100 accredited, from £30 per page with same-day turnaround. Accepted by UKVI, embassies and USCIS.
- 150+ Languages
- ISO 17100 Certified
- Same-day Turnaround
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What is an ID card translation?
An ID card translation is a certified conversion of a national identity card into a target language, produced by a professional translator and issued as a stamped, signed and dated document that serves as a true and accurate representation of the original for embassies, immigration authorities and government agencies.
Do I need to translate my ID card?
You need to translate your ID card whenever the receiving authority operates in a language different from the one on the card — mandatory for UKVI, USCIS and most embassy submissions, and strongly recommended for the Australian 482 visa and any visa application where a scanned copy of the ID is requested.
What is a certified ID card translation?
A certified ID card translation is a translated copy of the identity card accompanied by a signed sworn statement from the translation agency confirming the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document, bearing the certified stamp, the translator’s credentials, contact details and date of translation.
How do I translate my ID card to English?
To translate your ID card to English, upload a scan to a certified translation agency, confirm the source and target languages and the receiving authority, receive a fixed quote in GBP, and get the translated and certified copy back — typically within 24 hours for a single page under the ISO 17100 workflow.
How much does it cost to translate an ID card in the UK?
It costs from £30 per page to translate an ID card in the UK, with per-word rates from £0.08 for common language pairs and a 25–50% surcharge for same-day rush delivery — pricing is fixed upfront with no hidden fees, and the quote is confirmed after you upload a scan of your ID.
How long does it take to translate an ID card?
It takes 24 hours to translate a single-page ID card under the ISO 17100 benchmark of 1,500–2,000 words per linguist per day, three working days for a 5,000-word supporting document bundle, and same-day turnaround for urgent submissions up to 10,000 words at a 25–50% surcharge.
What we do
What is an ID card translation?
An ID card translation is a certified conversion of a national identity card into a target language, produced by a professional translator and issued as a stamped, signed and dated document that serves as a true and accurate representation of the original for embassies, immigration authorities and government agencies.
How it works
How do I translate my ID card to English?
To translate your ID card to English, upload a scan to a certified translation agency, confirm the source and target languages and the receiving authority, receive a fixed quote in GBP, and get the translated and certified copy back — typically within 24 hours for a single page under the ISO 17100 workflow.
What’s included
How much does it cost to translate an ID card in the UK?
It costs from £30 per page to translate an ID card in the UK, with per-word rates from £0.08 for common language pairs and a 25–50% surcharge for same-day rush delivery — pricing is fixed upfront with no hidden fees, and the quote is confirmed after you upload a scan of your ID.
Complete guide
Everything you need to know
Certified ID card translation is the regulated conversion of a national identity card from its source language into a target language, delivered by an ISO 17100 professional translation agency in London and across the UK for visa, immigration and embassy submissions in 150+ languages.
Do I need to translate my ID card?
You need to translate your ID card whenever the receiving authority operates in a language different from the one on the card — mandatory for UKVI, USCIS and most embassy submissions, and strongly recommended for the Australian 482 visa and any visa application where a scanned copy of the ID is requested. Translated ID cards are used for immigration, visa applications, foreign employment, university enrolment, marriage abroad and property purchase overseas. In every case, the translation must be certified: a plain photocopy or an uncertified translation is rejected by all major immigration authorities without exception.
| Route / authority | Translation status | Certification level |
|---|---|---|
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | Mandatory | Certified |
| USCIS (United States) | Mandatory | Certified (notarisation not required) |
| Foreign embassies in London | Mandatory | Certified, sometimes notarised or apostilled |
| Australian 482 visa | Recommended | Certified |
| Egyptian passport application | Accepted in lieu of other documents | Certified English translation |
| UK universities and HR verification | Recommended | Certified |
When is ID card translation mandatory?
ID card translation is mandatory for UK visa applications that require a scanned Chinese or non-English ID, for USCIS immigration filings, for embassy or immigration procedures requiring official documents, and for any court or government agency that demands a certified translation of your ID. UKVI accepts certified translations of ID cards that are signed and stamped by a professional UK translation agency — an unsigned or unstamped translation does not meet the standard and will be returned. Under the applicable federal rules, any foreign-language document submitted with a US immigration application must be accompanied by a full English translation and a signed certification of accuracy from the translator attesting to their competency in both languages.
When is ID card translation only recommended?
ID card translation is only recommended, not mandatory, for the Australian 482 visa, for supporting documents submitted alongside a passport, and for internal HR verification. For the Australian 482 visa specifically, immigration practitioners advise that a certified translated ID card is ideally provided even when it is not formally required, because doing so reduces the likelihood of processing delays or requests for further information. Submitting a certified translation proactively demonstrates thoroughness and removes any ambiguity about the applicant’s identity details.
Can a translated ID card replace a passport?
A translated ID card can replace a passport in narrow scenarios — for example, in Egypt a certified English translation of the national ID is accepted as an official document during a passport application, often accelerating the process compared with other routes. For most international travel documentation needs, see our Passport Translation Services.
What is a certified ID card translation?
A certified ID card translation is a translated copy of the identity card accompanied by a signed sworn statement from the translation agency confirming the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document, bearing the certified stamp, the translator’s credentials, contact details and date of translation. The certified stamp and signature are what distinguish a legally accepted translation from an informal rendering: without them, UKVI, USCIS and foreign embassies will not process the document. Our Certified Translation Services follow ISO 17100 quality controls end to end, meaning every certified translation passes through a full translation–editing–proofreading cycle before the stamp is applied.
What is included in a certified ID card translation package?
A certified ID card translation package includes six components, each of which is required to satisfy UKVI, USCIS and embassy submission standards:
- The translated document rendered field by field from the original document
- A certificate of accuracy signed by the translator
- The certified stamp of the translation office
- The translator’s printed name, signature and credentials
- ISO 17100 quality assurance evidence and date of translation
- Scanned PDF delivery, with hard copy by post on request
The certificate of accuracy is a formal declaration — not a casual cover letter — in which the translator attests in writing to their competency in both the source and target languages and confirms that the translation is complete and correct. This declaration is the document that immigration caseworkers and embassy staff rely on when verifying authenticity.
Certified vs notarised vs sworn vs apostille: which do you need?
You need a certified translation for most UK and US procedures, a notarised translation when a notary public must witness the translator’s signature, a sworn translation for civil-law countries such as France, Spain, Germany and Italy, and an apostille under the Apostille Convention when the document is used abroad in another Hague Convention member state. Each level adds a layer of legal verification: certification confirms accuracy, notarisation confirms the identity of the signer, sworn status confirms court-recognised competency, and an apostille confirms that the document meets the international legalisation standard across member states.
| Type | What it is | Required for | Our service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified | Translator’s signed statement of accuracy plus certified stamp | UKVI, USCIS, most UK universities, HMRC | Certified Translation Services |
| Notarised | Certified translation with translator’s signature witnessed by a notary public | Some US state agencies, certain foreign embassies, some courts | Notarised Translation Services |
| Sworn | Translation by a court-appointed sworn translator | France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Brazil | Sworn Translation Services |
| Apostille | Legalisation stamp under the Apostille Convention | Use in Hague Convention member states abroad | Apostille and Legalisation Services |
Do I need a notarised translation for my ID card?
You need a notarised translation for your ID card when the receiving authority — typically a foreign embassy, a court, or a US state agency — explicitly requires the translator’s signature to be witnessed by a notary public; UKVI, USCIS and most UK embassies accept a certified translation without notarisation. A notary public legally acknowledges the identity of the signer, not the accuracy of the translation itself, so notarisation is an add-on layer to certification rather than a replacement for it. Sworn translations serve a distinct purpose: they are produced by court-appointed sworn translators and are required in civil-law jurisdictions including France, Spain, Germany and Italy, where a UK-style certified stamp alone is insufficient. Order via our Notarised Translation Services.
How long does it take to translate an ID card?
It takes 24 hours to translate a single-page ID card under standard conditions, three working days for a 5,000-word supporting document bundle, and same-day turnaround is available for urgent submissions up to 10,000 words at a 25–50% surcharge. These timelines are grounded in the ISO 17100 throughput benchmark of 1,500–2,000 words per linguist per day — a single ID card rarely exceeds 250 words, which means translation, editing and proofreading can all be completed comfortably within the 24-hour window without compressing any stage of the quality process. Same-day projects are handled by assigning multiple translators working in parallel on segmented portions of the document, each reviewed by an independent editor before the certified stamp is applied.
- Single ID card (≤250 words): 24 hours standard, 4–12 hours express
- Supporting bundle (~5,000 words): 3 working days
- Same-day rush (up to 10,000 words): 25–50% surcharge, multi-translator TEP workflow
Turnaround begins from the moment a legible scan is received and payment is confirmed — not from enquiry time. Submitting a high-resolution scan reduces the risk of a clarification request, which is the single most common cause of delays on short-deadline projects. Hard-copy delivery by tracked courier is available next-day within the UK and is ordered separately from the digital PDF, which is issued as soon as certification is complete.
What languages can an ID card be translated into?
An ID card can be translated into 150+ languages by our UK translation team, covering all common visa-application pairs — English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Urdu (for CNIC), Russian, Polish and Romanian — plus rarer historical pairs for Yugoslav-era and Ottoman-era documents. Every project is assigned to a native-speaker professional translator in the target language, ensuring that idiomatic expressions, administrative terminology and script-specific conventions are handled correctly rather than approximated. The 150+ language range means that even low-volume diplomatic languages and regional dialect variants are within scope, without requiring outsourcing to a third party or extended lead times.
How is a CNIC translated from Urdu to English?
A CNIC is translated from Urdu to English by a professional translator who transliterates the 13-digit CNIC number, renders the personal details, place of birth and father’s name exactly as they appear, and issues the translated CNIC with the certified stamp accepted by UK visa and USCIS authorities. The Pakistani CNIC is the standard national identity document issued to adult Pakistani citizens, while the NICOP variant serves overseas Pakistanis — both carry distinct field structures that require format-aware translation rather than a generic word-for-word approach. UKVI accepts certified English translations of the CNIC provided they carry the translator’s signature, the certified stamp and the date of translation. See our Urdu Translation Services.
How is a Chinese ID card translated for a UK visa?
A Chinese ID card is translated for a UK visa by uploading a scanned copy of the ID, matching it to the Mandarin-to-English language pair, and returning a certified translation that UKVI accepts alongside the scanned original. The certified copy must state the date of translation and the translator’s credentials, and the 18-digit Chinese Resident Identity Card number is transliterated digit by digit to eliminate any ambiguity. Because the Chinese ID card uses simplified characters and a specific administrative layout, an expert Mandarin translator who is familiar with Chinese civil registration formats handles each project. Full details on our Mandarin Chinese Translation Services page.
How is a Farsi ID card translated?
A Farsi ID card, or shenasnameh, is translated by a Persian-language expert translator who converts the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar dates to the Gregorian calendar, renders the family record annotations accurately, and issues the certified stamped translation accepted by UK Home Office and foreign embassies. The shenasnameh is a family record booklet rather than a card-format document, so it may contain multiple pages of household entries — each page is translated and certified as part of the same package. Learn more on our Farsi Translation Services page.
Where are translated ID cards accepted?
Translated ID cards are accepted worldwide by authorities including UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), foreign embassies, universities, government agencies and courts, provided the translation carries a certified stamp, the translator’s signature and a sworn statement of accuracy. Acceptance is conditional on those components being present: a translation that omits any one of them — even if it is otherwise accurate — will be treated as non-compliant and returned for correction. For the full immigration bundle, see our Immigration Document Translation Services.
- UKVI: Accepts certified translations of ID cards signed and stamped by a professional UK translation agency — the signature, stamp and date of translation must all be present on the certificate of accuracy
- USCIS: Accepts certified translations accompanied by a translator’s certificate of accuracy; notarisation is not typically required, making the certified standard sufficient for the vast majority of US immigration filings
- Foreign embassies in London: Accepted at the certified level; individual embassies may additionally require notarisation or an apostille depending on the destination country’s legal system
- Hague Convention member states: Certified translations legalised with an apostille are accepted across all Hague Convention member states, as the apostille verifies the translation for cross-border use
- UK universities: Accepted for enrolment, international student verification and academic credential assessment
- Courts and government agencies: Accepted for legal and immigration proceedings, provided the translation meets the certified standard required by the specific tribunal or agency
Civil-law countries — including France, Spain, Germany and Italy — impose a higher bar: they require a sworn translation produced by a court-appointed sworn translator rather than a standard certified translation. If your ID card is being submitted in one of these jurisdictions, our Sworn Translation Services ensure compliance with the local legal standard. Similarly, where a foreign embassy or US state agency requires notarisation, our Notarised Translation Services add the notary public layer without replacing the underlying certified translation.
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How is my ID card kept confidential during translation?
Your ID card is kept confidential during translation under a signed non-disclosure agreement covering sensitive personal information — the ID number, date of birth and address — encrypted file upload, GDPR-compliant storage in the UK, and permanent deletion 30 days after project delivery. Every translator and reviewer on the project is bound by written confidentiality agreements before the file is released to them.
How do I order a certified ID card translation today?
To order a certified ID card translation today, follow five steps:
The most frequently asked questions about ID card translation cover mandatory vs recommended use, notarisation, DIY translation, historical documents, cost per page in GBP, turnaround under ISO 17100, and acceptance by UKVI, USCIS and foreign embassies.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to translate my Chinese ID card for my UK visa application?
Yes, you must provide a certified English translation of your Chinese ID card when submitting a UK visa application. UKVI requires all documents not in English or Welsh to be accompanied by a certified translation that includes the translator’s full name, signature, contact details, and a statement of competence. A Chinese national ID card (居民身份证) typically contains your name, date of birth, address, and ID number — all of which must be accurately rendered in English by a qualified translator.
Is ID card translation mandatory or just recommended for visa applications?
ID card translation is mandatory, not merely recommended, when submitting a visa application to UKVI or most embassies. UK Visas and Immigration explicitly states that any supporting document in a language other than English or Welsh must be accompanied by a full certified translation. Submitting untranslated documents can result in your application being rejected or significantly delayed. The same requirement applies to embassy applications in the UK for foreign visas, where each authority may have its own specific certification standards.
How do I translate my ID card to English?
To translate your ID card to English, you should engage a professional certified translation agency or a qualified translator who can produce an accurate, certified version accepted by official bodies. The process typically involves sending a clear scan or photo of both sides of your ID card, after which the translator produces a full English translation, attaches a signed certificate of accuracy, and returns the document — often within 24–48 hours. For UKVI, embassy, or legal purposes, machine translations or uncertified versions are not accepted.
How to translate ID card?
To translate an ID card, submit clear scans of both sides to a certified translation service, and the translator will produce a formatted English version alongside a signed certification statement. The certified translation must include the translator’s name, signature, date, contact information, and a declaration confirming the translation is accurate and complete. For UK visa or official purposes, the translation must be produced by a competent translator — typically a member of a recognised body such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).
How much does a certified translation cost in the UK?
Certified translation in the UK typically costs between £25 and £100 per page, depending on the language pair, document complexity, and turnaround time. Standard single-page documents like ID cards, birth certificates, or driving licences usually fall at the lower end of this range — often £25–£60. Rush or same-day services may carry a premium of 25–50% above standard rates. Rare language pairs (e.g., Amharic, Tigrinya) or highly technical documents may cost more. Always confirm whether VAT is included and whether the certification fee is separate.
Who can certify a translation in the UK?
In the UK, a certified translation can be produced by any qualified, competent translator who declares in writing that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge. UKVI does not require translators to be members of a specific professional body, but they must provide their full name, signature, date, and contact details on the certification. Many agencies use translators affiliated with recognised bodies such as the ITI or CIOL, which adds credibility. Notarisation by a solicitor or notary public is a separate, higher-level requirement only needed for specific legal purposes.
Can I do my own certified translation?
No, you cannot certify your own translation for UK visa or official purposes. UKVI guidance states that applicants must not translate their own documents, as there is an inherent conflict of interest. The translation must be carried out by a competent third-party translator who can objectively certify its accuracy. Even if you are fluent in both languages, a self-produced translation will almost certainly be rejected by UKVI, embassies, and most UK government bodies. Always use an independent professional translation service.
Can I translate my own documents for a UK visa?
No, you cannot translate your own documents for a UK visa application. UKVI explicitly requires that translations be produced by a qualified and independent translator — not the applicant or a family member. The certified translation must include the translator’s name, signature, contact details, and a signed statement confirming accuracy. Submitting a self-produced translation is grounds for refusal. Using a professional certified translation agency ensures compliance with UKVI standards and reduces the risk of delays or rejection.
What does notarised translation mean?
A notarised translation is a certified translation that has been additionally verified by a notary public or solicitor, who confirms the translator’s identity and the authenticity of their signature. This is a higher level of authentication than standard certified translation and is typically required for legal proceedings, court submissions, or certain overseas document legalisation processes. For most UK visa applications to UKVI, a notarised translation is not required — a standard certified translation suffices. However, some foreign embassies based in the UK may request notarisation for their own visa processes.
Where can I get a certified translation of my ID card (e.g., in Egypt)?
You can obtain a certified translation of your Egyptian ID card (بطاقة الرقم القومي) from a professional translation agency in the UK that specialises in Arabic-to-English certified translations. Many UK-based agencies handle Egyptian and other Arabic-language documents remotely — you simply submit a clear scan and receive the certified translation by email and post, typically within 24–72 hours. Ensure the agency provides a signed certificate of accuracy with the translator’s credentials, as required by UKVI or the relevant embassy. Some agencies also offer apostille or notarisation services if required.
How do I translate a military ID card from Mandarin/Chinese?
To translate a Chinese military ID card, you should use a professional certified translation agency with qualified Chinese-to-English translators experienced in official and government document formats. Military ID cards often contain specialised terminology, ranks, and institutional references that require subject-matter familiarity beyond standard translation. Submit clear, legible scans of both sides of the card to the agency, and request a certified translation with a signed accuracy statement. For UK visa or embassy use, ensure the translator’s credentials and contact details are included on the certification.
Can anyone do a certified translation?
In the UK, there is no single legally mandated qualification required to produce a certified translation, but the translator must be a competent, independent third party — not the applicant. UKVI requires the translator to provide their full name, signature, date, and a statement declaring the translation is accurate and complete. Membership of professional bodies such as the ITI or CIOL is strongly recommended, as it demonstrates verified competence. Using a reputable professional translation agency significantly reduces the risk of having your documents rejected by official bodies.